12 Favorite Boutique Hotels in Hawaii

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Admittedly, the most challenging part of planning a trip to Hawaii is picking the perfect place to stay. Hawaii pretty much has it all…mega beach resorts, Airbnbs, super swanky luxury resorts, tree houses, campgrounds, etc. But one of my favorite types of places to stay is in a boutique hotel. Depending on which one you’ll choose, you’ll still get all of the amenities of a larger hotel or resort, but with a bit more personality.

RELATED: Not very familiar with the Hawaiian Islands? Read up on the lay of the (is)lands for Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island.

So if you’re looking for accommodations with character and a bit of local charm, here are 12 amazing boutique hotels in Hawaii…

Maui

Hotel Wailea: This “adults only” hotel is situated in Wailea up on the slopes of Haleakala. It has great sweeping views, but it’s not beachfront. While there is a luxury shuttle service to take you down to the beach, you may not want to leave the quiet and luxurious pool area. This place has great amenities (including restaurants) and feels quite removed despite being to close to all of the other shops, restaurants, and resorts in Wailea. Pricing starts at $320/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Paia Inn: Paia is Maui’s perfect little “hippy” town on the north shore. It’s got a great surf culture, a ton of boutique shopping, amazing restaurants and beautiful white sand beaches. This little inn is right in the middle of the town so you can walk everywhere (including the beach). Pricing starts at $225/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Andaz: This boutique property (by Hyatt) is actually one of the best (and trendiest) beach resorts in Maui, but its concept is very young and hip. The resort is very luxe and the pools and restaurants here are top notch. If beach and pool time are at the top of your must do list, you’ll love the Andaz. Pricing starts at $450/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Travaasa Hana: If you really want to get off the grid and truly escape for a while, you’ll definitely want to check into the Travaasa in Hana. Located on the secluded Hana side of the island, the rooms here don’t have clocks or televisions, leaving you focused on connecting with each other and Hawaii. Pricing starts at $350/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Oahu

The Modern Honolulu: This is probably the trendiest place to stay in Waikiki/Honolulu right now. Located on the edge of Waikiki (near the harbor), this resort is, as its name suggests, very modern. It’s low key luxurious and a bit fresher than a lot of what you’ll find on the main Waikiki strip. Pricing starts at $215/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

The Surfjack: The Surfjack is an Instagramer’s dream. Every space in this small boutique hotel is styled to perfection. It’s not beachfront, but it’s also one of the best bargains in Waikiki. If you’re trip is all about getting out and exploring the island, this is a great home base. Pricing starts at $165/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

The Royal Hawaiian: The “pink palace of the Pacific” is the most iconic hotel on Waikiki. It’s been featured in movies since the 1960s and while it’s all kinds of vintage glamorous, it’s also high on modern luxuries. It’s right in the heart of Waikiki so if you want to see and do it all while staying at some of the coolest digs in Waikiki, this is your spot. Pricing starts at $299/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Moana Surfrider: Opened in 1901, the Moana Surfrider was the first hotel built in Waikiki. It’s historic and quite regal but still relaxed with all of the modern conveniences you could want. There’s nothing quite like sipping a drink on the porch here while gazing out towards Diamond Head. Pricing starts at $250/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

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Kauai

Ko’a Kea Hotel: Ko’a Kea is located on Kauai’s best beach (in my opinion) in sunny Poipu. If you’re visiting Kauai during the winter months, this is probably the best place on the island to stay. It’s luxurious and swanky and it’s well situated for day trips to Waimea Canyon and the north shore. You’re also likely to see turtle and Hawaiian monk seals basking in the sun just steps from the resort. Pricing starts at $449/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Hanalei Bay Resort: If you’re looking for a true hideaway, book a room at the Hanalei Bay Resort. Located on Kauai’s stunning north shore, you probably wouldn’t even know this resort was here if you weren’t looking for it. The grounds are lush and tropical and you’ll be right in the heart of Kauai. Pricing starts at $250/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Big Island

Volcano House: The only hotel located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the original building on the property was built in 1846 and the modern hotel opened in 1941. There are now some guest rooms that feature a crater view and you can watch the pretty glow from the hotel’s premier restaurant. Pricing starts at $285/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: If you’re looking for a trendy spot with vintage Hawaiian vibes to spend your honeymoon, you’ll love the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. It’s located on one of the best beaches on the Big Island. Pricing starts at $385/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

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About Cate

Aloha! I’m Cate…Hawaii lover, wannabe mermaid, beach bum extraordinaire, sand castle architect and firm believer that beach days are the best days! Follow my adventures around the world one beach at a time.